Tampa Healthcare Power of Attorney Lawyer
Estate planning is about more than just deciding how to distribute your property after you are gone. Equally important is taking steps now to protect your health in the event you become incapacitated and incapable of making or communicating decisions regarding your medical care. That’s where a healthcare power of attorney comes in. At Messina Law Group, our Florida estate planning attorneys ensure that your estate plan is comprehensive and meets all of your needs during your lifetime as well as after. Whether creating an estate plan for the first time or making sure the one you have is complete and up-to-date, let us help ensure you have every document in place to meet your needs and goals. Contact our experienced Tampa healthcare power of attorney lawyer today.
What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so. This person, known as your agent or proxy, will have the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf, including choices about treatments, medications, and surgeries.
Why Is a Healthcare POA Important?
Having a Healthcare Power of Attorney in place is crucial because it ensures that your medical wishes are followed if you are unable to express them yourself. Without this document, healthcare decisions may be made by family members or healthcare providers who may not be aware of your preferences.
How Does It Work?
To create a Healthcare Power of Attorney, you must be of sound mind and able to understand the nature of the document. You will need to choose a trusted individual to act as your agent and specify their powers and limitations. Your agent should be someone who knows your values and preferences regarding medical treatment.
What Decisions Can Your Agent Make?
Your agent can make a wide range of healthcare decisions on your behalf, including:
- Choosing healthcare providers and facilities.
- Consenting to or refusing medical treatments.
- Accessing your medical records.
- Making end-of-life decisions, such as whether to use life support.
When Does It Take Effect?
Your Healthcare Power of Attorney will take effect only when you are unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself. This could be due to illness, injury, or incapacity. It is important to discuss your wishes with your agent in advance and ensure they understand your preferences.
How to Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney in Tampa
To create a Healthcare Power of Attorney in Tampa, you should consult with an experienced local estate planning attorney who can help you draft a document that complies with Florida law and is tailored to your needs, making sure it is as broad or as narrow as you are comfortable with. The document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the document. The signing should be done in the presence of a notary who can notarize the document. If executing a power of attorney along with your will and other estate planning documents, it is convenient to have all the documents signed and notarized at one time.
Contact Messina Law Group for Help With a Healthcare Power of Attorney in Tampa
A Healthcare Power of Attorney is an essential part of estate planning in Tampa, Florida. By appointing a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, you can ensure that your medical wishes are respected and that you receive the care you want, even if you are unable to communicate your preferences. Get started today by calling Messina Law Group at 813-492-7798. Our Tampa healthcare power of attorney lawyer is ready to sit down with you and help you create a complete estate plan to meet all your needs.
